Jason sighs mildly, glad to know that there seems to be no celestials, fiends, or undead nearby, so at least there's no concerns about them influencing the matter...probably.
The road will be an issue. He thinks if they keep in the general direction they were heading, they should be able to reach their destination. Getting information before going in is helpful, and while he does love to charge enemies, experience has shown him that's not always the best approach. Moreso, when celestials or fiends, especially, are involved.
Armeros listened intently as the stranger spoke, the description of the Golden Path piquing his curiosity. A road that shifted, like a sentient force with its own agenda. His mind whirled with possibilities—what kind of ancient magic or being had created such a path? (Arcana=9)
He flicked his gaze to the rest of the group, his tail curling lazily behind him as he spoke quietly. "Hm...Rushing ahead without knowledge of this place would leave us vulnerable. Researching the artifact, the gods involved, and even this mysterious road, might offer us leverage. Leverage, after all, is what turns the game in our favor."
"That's a pretty big following you got there to stop so fast for a few folks along the side of the path, do you often see folk out here?" Suprised at how much attention this caravan is giving the group. Perhaps if we had flagged them down it woukd warrant such a reaction then perhaps... Xondario is having a hard time believing his eyes, the path moved! The whole purpose of a path was that it didn't move so it could get to places that also don't move. "Perhaps with shifting roads, we are best to stick with traveling the direction we were given. Does more then the path move, as in whatever place the path takes you, do they move to or does the path just move around locations?"
"No indeed. most folk stay far away from the road. When we do see someone, we are quick to make contact. it get's lonely you know, traveling this road for your entire lifetime, never even knowing where you are going. I'm not sure what you're asking. the path moves however it wants. it never ends, just keeps going. It's up to us to follow it."
Armeros listened intently as the stranger spoke, the description of the Golden Path piquing his curiosity. A road that shifted, like a sentient force with its own agenda. His mind whirled with possibilities—what kind of ancient magic or being had created such a path? (Arcana=9)
He flicked his gaze to the rest of the group, his tail curling lazily behind him as he spoke quietly. "Hm...Rushing ahead without knowledge of this place would leave us vulnerable. Researching the artifact, the gods involved, and even this mysterious road, might offer us leverage. Leverage, after all, is what turns the game in our favor."
Jasmine smiles at Armeros from under her hood. With the deeps shadows that her hood creates on her snakelike head from which her red eyes seem to glow and the fact that she doesn't have teeth outside of snake-fangs, the smile looks kind of unnatural and unsettling. Still though, as unnerving as the smile is, it is still a genuine one. She responds softly, "You said exactly what I was thinking. We should try to learn more before heading forward."
"So the path never leads anywhere? Or at least pass a town now and then? Perhaps there are junctions with other roads?" Xondario was confused by the idea of living you life on a ever changing path that doesn't lead anywhere. Where do they by food, supplies, get new members or honor the ones that' have past... The more Xondario thought about this, the less he liked standing here with these caravaners. What were the chances of this meeting, pretty high Xondario expected. He would wager most that stumble onto this pathway meet these folks.
Horsch looks confused. How do these people know so little about where they are? "The path most certainly makes its way through towns, or at least goes near them, and constantly intercepts other roads. What I mean when I say it's up to you, is that, if you want to follow the road, you have to actually follow. If the road beneath us suddenly moves to my left 50 feet, it doesn't bring me with it. My caravan would have to go there of our own doing. And people avoid the road because well, most are scared of it. And even those who aren't, why follow it? You don't know where it's going, and don't know if the way back will still be there. It's to risky." Out of one of the back wagons, jumps an elven woman. Tall, slender, and beautiful. "Horsch, whatever is going on? why are sto-" She cuts herself off when she sees the party. With a sharp clap of her hands, the entire caravan comes to life, with all sorts of creatures coming out. Some set up campfires, other start pitching tents. You can see a pair of human kids running around gathering kindling, with an elderly female dragonborn watching them closely. The lady approaches, with a simple green dress and flowing, golden hair. "Greetings strangers. I am Priscilla. I'm sorry Horsch didn't already introduce us." With a flick of her wrist, the floppy green hat goes tumbling from from Horsch's head. "He's just trying to keep the tribe safe, but it does get extremely annoying. We thought he was maybe talking with some thugs, trying to get them to leave us alone, but you lot look much nicer than that. Please, can I offer you some food?" Priscilla talks very happily. You can almost imagine she is releasing pure joy with every word. For indeed, the moment she opened her mouth, you felt very kindly toward her. (not a spell or anything XD)
Remis thinks for a minute, not sure how helpful gypsies be, mushy ball soup sound good though, but think we head on.
"Right there with ya' Remis old buddy. No sense in continuing to tramp through the woods without first filling our stomachs with some free food." Taxidea says quietly to Remis. Then he turns to Horsch and Priscilla, "You know, I've heard people say that the journey is more important than the destination, but you folks have really taken that to heart! Unfortunately, we have a destination that needs reaching, and if you can't trust a road to take you where you need - or want - to go...well I guess you go straight on through the woods and hope for the best. But like I was just saying to Remis, no reason why we can't keep tramping through the woods with full bellies - and while we eat you can tell us more about these wonderous woods and your temperamental turnpike. Perhaps, with your assistance, we can figure out where the heck that darn tower is hiding!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Armeros’ eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Priscilla approach, her radiant smile and infectious cheer washing over the group. Her presence had an immediate effect—there was no denying it. Ah, so this is the true leader, he thought, recognizing the subtle yet potent influence she exerted without seeming to try. He smoothed his expression into one of calm charm, his golden eyes gleaming with polite interest. His tail flicked slightly behind him as he stepped forward with a small, graceful bow.
"Lady Priscilla," he greeted, his voice a smooth purr, "it is a pleasure to meet you. And we are most grateful for your kind offer. Food and rest would certainly be appreciated after a day as... unpredictable as ours has been." Priscilla was clearly a figure of influence here, and aligning with her could prove useful.
"Pleasure to meet you Miss Priscilla." Flynt removes his hat and gives his head a nod. As was his way he had been quietly taking in all the information as the others were talking. "Sounds to me like it's a metaphor for life. We each have a path. We know not where it leads but we follow it. Even if you try to go back it never takes you to the same place you came from. Sometimes you struggle to find it if you lose it. Or, as my fellow traveler suggested, you leave the path and make your own way. Which is what we will most likely do." Flynt says. "In the mean time I don't think sharing a meal will put us to far off schedule." As the food is made and served Flynt explains how they arrived and what their quest is.
"It could be like life. It is like the song 'Life is a highway'...um, what's the rest...'if you're not careful, you'll miss your turn?' Something like that?" He then, politely, nods his head to Priscilla.
"Ah, my friends! When the road grows weary and our bellies rumble like a hungry owlbear, we must heed the call of a passing caravan! Let us feast on their hearty stew and bread, for a well-fed adventurer is a fierce adventurer! We accept your kind offer, Ma'am."
His first instinct is to not trust them, for their wondering lifestyle. But then, he was of the camp that thought similar of adventurers. Now, here he is, amongst them. He's unsure where he's at, as this isn't terrain he's familiar with. Gather intel from these people will be a productive use of time...and being well-fed doesn't hurt.
Priscilla goes back to her wagon and brings out a black cloth, about the size of a napkin. She sets it on the ground an unfolds it, revealing that it is actually some sort of pocket dimension. She leans down and pulls out a large pot, setting it on the ground. She then pulls out wooden bulls and spoons. By now, the rest of the caravan had mad an unbelievable large bonfire, and were roasting something on sticks. The had set out colourful blankets, and some kids were running around playing a game. The now campsite has become a very happy, cheerful place. As Priscilla finishes folding her napkin back up, you realise that the pot also has some magic. For indeed, it never ran out! After everyone has gotten some stew, and something to drink wether it be ale, water or some of the other juices and wines they offered, you start to see that this is more than just a caravan. This is a family. And what's more, there were all sorts of creatures. Elephant people, Tobaxi, Dragonborn, and really everything in between. Priscilla turns to thee group. "So tell me. What brings you group to be traveling in the middle of nowhere, without any idea where you are?"
Armeros, for once, found himself without words as he sat among the lively caravan, a wooden bowl of stew in his hands.
It was...odd. Normally, places like this, so full of chaos and joy, grated on his nerves. He preferred controlled environments. Yet here, amidst the laughter and strange harmony of these creatures, he felt...at ease. "Perhaps it’s the stew," he murmured to himself, taking another bite of the surprisingly delicious meal.
"Well, we were having breakfast...and then these morons tried to hold the place up - hit me with a crossbow bolt too - stupid idiots!" He shows Priscilla where he got wounded with the crossbow bolt. "I blinded a couple of em' and they were so dumb they fell back into the wall and actually killed themselves - can you believe that?"He chuckles and shakes his head. "Dumbest thing I ever saw - and I've seen some pretty dumb stuff!. But anyways, the head moron was a chickenshit and chucked a couple daggers at me before running away, like the big dumb chickenshit that he was. Luckily my new friend Remis here was able to heal some of the damage. Then there was a vanishing lady and the guards who may or may not have been illusions. And then the vanishing lady, who we figure is either a trickster goddess or the goddess of harmless things or something put the entire building, with us in it, into a void until we agreed to help her, which we did and POOF! We ended up here, but right before she poofed us here that she said to go due southeast. So that's what we were doing until we ran into you guys." He looks around at the rest of the party and takes another bite of food. "Did I miss anything?"
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"Hmm....Oh!"Armeros perks up. "There was also my mental battle with that inept trickster 'goddess'," he adds with a smug smirk, "I won, of course, though she knocked me out in childish reprisal. No wonder no one remembers her where we come from. Not that the 'harmless' one is much better."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
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Jason sighs mildly, glad to know that there seems to be no celestials, fiends, or undead nearby, so at least there's no concerns about them influencing the matter...probably.
The road will be an issue. He thinks if they keep in the general direction they were heading, they should be able to reach their destination. Getting information before going in is helpful, and while he does love to charge enemies, experience has shown him that's not always the best approach. Moreso, when celestials or fiends, especially, are involved.
Armeros listened intently as the stranger spoke, the description of the Golden Path piquing his curiosity. A road that shifted, like a sentient force with its own agenda. His mind whirled with possibilities—what kind of ancient magic or being had created such a path? (Arcana=9)
He flicked his gaze to the rest of the group, his tail curling lazily behind him as he spoke quietly. "Hm...Rushing ahead without knowledge of this place would leave us vulnerable. Researching the artifact, the gods involved, and even this mysterious road, might offer us leverage. Leverage, after all, is what turns the game in our favor."
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Armeros Arcana: No result. You can't think of anything.
"That's a pretty big following you got there to stop so fast for a few folks along the side of the path, do you often see folk out here?" Suprised at how much attention this caravan is giving the group. Perhaps if we had flagged them down it woukd warrant such a reaction then perhaps... Xondario is having a hard time believing his eyes, the path moved! The whole purpose of a path was that it didn't move so it could get to places that also don't move. "Perhaps with shifting roads, we are best to stick with traveling the direction we were given. Does more then the path move, as in whatever place the path takes you, do they move to or does the path just move around locations?"
"No indeed. most folk stay far away from the road. When we do see someone, we are quick to make contact. it get's lonely you know, traveling this road for your entire lifetime, never even knowing where you are going.
I'm not sure what you're asking. the path moves however it wants. it never ends, just keeps going. It's up to us to follow it."
Jasmine smiles at Armeros from under her hood. With the deeps shadows that her hood creates on her snakelike head from which her red eyes seem to glow and the fact that she doesn't have teeth outside of snake-fangs, the smile looks kind of unnatural and unsettling. Still though, as unnerving as the smile is, it is still a genuine one. She responds softly, "You said exactly what I was thinking. We should try to learn more before heading forward."
"So the path never leads anywhere? Or at least pass a town now and then? Perhaps there are junctions with other roads?" Xondario was confused by the idea of living you life on a ever changing path that doesn't lead anywhere. Where do they by food, supplies, get new members or honor the ones that' have past... The more Xondario thought about this, the less he liked standing here with these caravaners. What were the chances of this meeting, pretty high Xondario expected. He would wager most that stumble onto this pathway meet these folks.
Remis thinks for a minute, not sure how helpful gypsies be, mushy ball soup sound good though, but think we head on.
"Curious. Why is it 'up to you' to follow the road? And...why do most people avoid it, if you don't mind me asking?"
insight 11, persuasion 16 (since Armeros thinks it may be a touchy subject)
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
Horsch looks confused. How do these people know so little about where they are?
"The path most certainly makes its way through towns, or at least goes near them, and constantly intercepts other roads.
What I mean when I say it's up to you, is that, if you want to follow the road, you have to actually follow. If the road beneath us suddenly moves to my left 50 feet, it doesn't bring me with it. My caravan would have to go there of our own doing. And people avoid the road because well, most are scared of it. And even those who aren't, why follow it? You don't know where it's going, and don't know if the way back will still be there. It's to risky."
Out of one of the back wagons, jumps an elven woman. Tall, slender, and beautiful.
"Horsch, whatever is going on? why are sto-" She cuts herself off when she sees the party. With a sharp clap of her hands, the entire caravan comes to life, with all sorts of creatures coming out. Some set up campfires, other start pitching tents. You can see a pair of human kids running around gathering kindling, with an elderly female dragonborn watching them closely.
The lady approaches, with a simple green dress and flowing, golden hair.
"Greetings strangers. I am Priscilla. I'm sorry Horsch didn't already introduce us." With a flick of her wrist, the floppy green hat goes tumbling from from Horsch's head.
"He's just trying to keep the tribe safe, but it does get extremely annoying. We thought he was maybe talking with some thugs, trying to get them to leave us alone, but you lot look much nicer than that. Please, can I offer you some food?" Priscilla talks very happily. You can almost imagine she is releasing pure joy with every word. For indeed, the moment she opened her mouth, you felt very kindly toward her. (not a spell or anything XD)
"Right there with ya' Remis old buddy. No sense in continuing to tramp through the woods without first filling our stomachs with some free food." Taxidea says quietly to Remis. Then he turns to Horsch and Priscilla, "You know, I've heard people say that the journey is more important than the destination, but you folks have really taken that to heart! Unfortunately, we have a destination that needs reaching, and if you can't trust a road to take you where you need - or want - to go...well I guess you go straight on through the woods and hope for the best. But like I was just saying to Remis, no reason why we can't keep tramping through the woods with full bellies - and while we eat you can tell us more about these wonderous woods and your temperamental turnpike. Perhaps, with your assistance, we can figure out where the heck that darn tower is hiding!"
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
Armeros’ eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Priscilla approach, her radiant smile and infectious cheer washing over the group. Her presence had an immediate effect—there was no denying it. Ah, so this is the true leader, he thought, recognizing the subtle yet potent influence she exerted without seeming to try. He smoothed his expression into one of calm charm, his golden eyes gleaming with polite interest. His tail flicked slightly behind him as he stepped forward with a small, graceful bow.
"Lady Priscilla," he greeted, his voice a smooth purr, "it is a pleasure to meet you. And we are most grateful for your kind offer. Food and rest would certainly be appreciated after a day as... unpredictable as ours has been." Priscilla was clearly a figure of influence here, and aligning with her could prove useful.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
"Pleasure to meet you Miss Priscilla." Flynt removes his hat and gives his head a nod. As was his way he had been quietly taking in all the information as the others were talking. "Sounds to me like it's a metaphor for life. We each have a path. We know not where it leads but we follow it. Even if you try to go back it never takes you to the same place you came from. Sometimes you struggle to find it if you lose it. Or, as my fellow traveler suggested, you leave the path and make your own way. Which is what we will most likely do." Flynt says. "In the mean time I don't think sharing a meal will put us to far off schedule." As the food is made and served Flynt explains how they arrived and what their quest is.
**This Space for Rent**
Hey guys, I can post later today.
"It could be like life. It is like the song 'Life is a highway'...um, what's the rest...'if you're not careful, you'll miss your turn?' Something like that?" He then, politely, nods his head to Priscilla.
"Ah, my friends! When the road grows weary and our bellies rumble like a hungry owlbear, we must heed the call of a passing caravan! Let us feast on their hearty stew and bread, for a well-fed adventurer is a fierce adventurer! We accept your kind offer, Ma'am."
His first instinct is to not trust them, for their wondering lifestyle. But then, he was of the camp that thought similar of adventurers. Now, here he is, amongst them. He's unsure where he's at, as this isn't terrain he's familiar with. Gather intel from these people will be a productive use of time...and being well-fed doesn't hurt.
Priscilla goes back to her wagon and brings out a black cloth, about the size of a napkin. She sets it on the ground an unfolds it, revealing that it is actually some sort of pocket dimension. She leans down and pulls out a large pot, setting it on the ground. She then pulls out wooden bulls and spoons. By now, the rest of the caravan had mad an unbelievable large bonfire, and were roasting something on sticks. The had set out colourful blankets, and some kids were running around playing a game. The now campsite has become a very happy, cheerful place. As Priscilla finishes folding her napkin back up, you realise that the pot also has some magic. For indeed, it never ran out!
After everyone has gotten some stew, and something to drink wether it be ale, water or some of the other juices and wines they offered, you start to see that this is more than just a caravan. This is a family. And what's more, there were all sorts of creatures. Elephant people, Tobaxi, Dragonborn, and really everything in between.
Priscilla turns to thee group.
"So tell me. What brings you group to be traveling in the middle of nowhere, without any idea where you are?"
Remis is curious, by what name is this grand land called?
Armeros, for once, found himself without words as he sat among the lively caravan, a wooden bowl of stew in his hands.
It was...odd. Normally, places like this, so full of chaos and joy, grated on his nerves. He preferred controlled environments. Yet here, amidst the laughter and strange harmony of these creatures, he felt...at ease. "Perhaps it’s the stew," he murmured to himself, taking another bite of the surprisingly delicious meal.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
"Well, we were having breakfast...and then these morons tried to hold the place up - hit me with a crossbow bolt too - stupid idiots!" He shows Priscilla where he got wounded with the crossbow bolt. "I blinded a couple of em' and they were so dumb they fell back into the wall and actually killed themselves - can you believe that?" He chuckles and shakes his head. "Dumbest thing I ever saw - and I've seen some pretty dumb stuff!. But anyways, the head moron was a chickenshit and chucked a couple daggers at me before running away, like the big dumb chickenshit that he was. Luckily my new friend Remis here was able to heal some of the damage. Then there was a vanishing lady and the guards who may or may not have been illusions. And then the vanishing lady, who we figure is either a trickster goddess or the goddess of harmless things or something put the entire building, with us in it, into a void until we agreed to help her, which we did and POOF! We ended up here, but right before she poofed us here that she said to go due southeast. So that's what we were doing until we ran into you guys." He looks around at the rest of the party and takes another bite of food. "Did I miss anything?"
"...at worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
"Hmm....Oh!" Armeros perks up. "There was also my mental battle with that inept trickster 'goddess'," he adds with a smug smirk, "I won, of course, though she knocked me out in childish reprisal. No wonder no one remembers her where we come from. Not that the 'harmless' one is much better."
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |